Setting The Standard.

For Clubs That Stand For More.

For us, good governance isn’t a checklist – it’s a commitment.
We support clubs that want to lead safely, ethically, and well.

THE MISSION

Supporting Safer, Stronger Martial Arts Clubs Across The UK

At BMABA CIC, we believe better clubs are built on better foundations. That’s why we place ethics, safeguarding and governance at the heart of everything we do.

We’re not just a governing body in name. We’re a certified social enterprise that equips clubs with the guidance, tools, and frameworks they need to meet the highest standards. Not for appearances, but for real-world impact. Whether it’s safeguarding, coaching, leadership or club compliance, we’re here to support and strengthen your journey.

Practical safeguarding and governance advice - when you need it
Club compliance tools that simplify, not complicate
Courses, policies and pathways tailored to real-world clubs

Ministerial Commendation and Parliamentary Recognition

BMABA CIC has been recognised at the highest levels of Government for our commitment to safeguarding in martial arts. During a House of Commons debate on combat sport safety, the Minister for Sport, Stephanie Peacock MP, highlighted the British Martial Arts & Boxing Association by name for our work in supporting independent and unaffiliated clubs to adopt the Safeguarding Code in Martial Arts. This direct mention in Parliament demonstrates that our efforts to raise standards and protect participants are shaping the national conversation on safety in combat sports.

Following that debate, the Minister for Sport wrote formally to commend BMABA’s work, praising our role in raising safeguarding standards across the independent martial arts sector. She described our contribution as “extremely useful” to the Department for Culture, Media and Sport’s ongoing policy development, and thanked us for our ongoing efforts to make martial arts safer for children. This recognition reflects the trust placed in BMABA to help Government address urgent safeguarding challenges highlighted by recent tragedies within combat sports.

For our members and the wider martial arts community, this recognition underlines BMABA’s credibility as a leading voice for independent martial arts in the UK. It demonstrates that our grassroots-driven mission, to promote safe, inclusive, and properly governed martial arts for all, is influencing national policy and gaining ministerial support. Being referenced in Parliament and commended in writing by the Minister for Sport reinforces that BMABA is not just a governing body, but a sector-shaping organisation working to protect participants and secure the future of martial arts.

BMABA is the only organisation able to issue the Sport England funded Safeguarding Code in Martial Arts Award directly from our member’s area on receipt of our Club Colours Award. Our Colour’s award is free.

We Hold Ourselves To The Same Standards We Expect Of Our Clubs

As an organisation certified to ISO 9001:2015 and ISO 27001:2022 under UKAS accreditation, and a SCiMA-recognised governing body, we operate under the same standards of accountability, safeguarding, and good governance we ask our clubs to uphold. That means annual external audits, internal audits, clear escalation routes, and a commitment to transparency. Not just in theory, but in practice.

Practical Support For Clubs That Want To Do Things Right

Safeguarding, governance, and coaching standards shouldn’t be barriers. They should be building blocks. That’s why we give every BMABA-registered club access to the tools, training and advice needed to not just meet expectations, but exceed them. Whether you’re a new instructor or an established club, we’ll help you build a resilient, well-run organisation that puts students first.

Comprehensive Policy Templates

Ready-to-use safeguarding, welfare, and governance policies, all fully adaptable to your club’s needs and aligned with national expectations.

Expert Safeguarding & Governance Guidance

Access professional advice on compliance, incident handling, duty of care and ethical decision-making when you need it most.

Smart Compliance Tools With MyBMABA

Track and manage DBS checks, insurance, first aid, qualifications and safeguarding status, all in one place, with built-in alerts and audit readiness.

CPD-Accredited Instructor Training

Certified courses in safeguarding, mental health first aid, trauma-informed coaching, and youth violence prevention all designed for real-world martial arts settings.

Recognition Via Club Colours & Regulation Ready

Benchmark your club’s performance with structured awards that showcase high standards in leadership, safeguarding and operational quality.

Enhanced DBS, Safeguarding & Verification Services

Streamlined enhanced DBS checks, safeguarding qualifications, identity verification and all visible on our national register.

Our Safeguarding Standards Don’t Just Meet Expectations. They Set Them.

We’re proud to be the only independent martial arts governing body able to issue the Safeguarding Code in Martial Arts certification automatically and without extra steps, directly through our Club Colours and RegulationReady frameworks.

That’s possible because our safeguarding standards, compliance checks, and technology infrastructure are so robust, they’ve been externally validated by leading organisations, including the British Assessment Bureau (ISO 9001:2015 and ISO 27001:2022, under UKAS accreditation) and SCiMA.

No add-ons. No hidden fees. No separate forms.

If your club meets the standard, you’re awarded. It’s that simple.

What We Expect From Instructors & Coaches

High Standards Start With Us, But They Depend On You

BMABA CIC holds itself to the highest ethical and safeguarding standards — and we expect the same from every instructor and coach who represents our organisation. This isn’t about box-ticking. It’s about protecting the people we teach, respecting the communities we serve, and leading martial arts with integrity.

01 Ethics First

We expect our instructors to lead with honesty, fairness, and respect, on and off the mats. This means upholding transparency, avoiding conflicts of interest, and never using martial arts to exploit, intimidate, or mislead.

02 Child-First Safeguarding

Safeguarding isn’t a form; it’s a mindset. We require instructors to place the safety, wellbeing and dignity of children and vulnerable adults above all else. Every decision, from lesson structure to communication with parents, must reflect this priority.

03 Inclusive Teaching

Martial arts should be open to all regardless of background, ability, or identity. We expect inclusive, welcoming environments that celebrate diversity and actively challenge discrimination or exclusion.

04 Professional Conduct

Being a martial arts instructor means more than technical skill, it means accountability. We expect punctuality, preparedness, appropriate language, and the ability to manage risk, conflict and safeguarding with calm, professional authority.

05 Professional Standards

Every instructor must meet and maintain essential professional standards, no exceptions. This includes having appropriate technical ability, undergoing formal vetting, and holding up-to-date credentials in key areas like enhanced DBS checks, safeguarding training, first aid, public liability insurance, and identity verification. These aren’t just policies. They’re non-negotiable safeguards designed to protect students, parents, clubs, and the wider martial arts community.

Ready to Lead From the Front?

Join BMABA CIC for free and unlock access to our full Club Colours and Regulation Ready framework, including award-winning safeguarding, gold-standard governance, and nationally recognised verification tools.